California Career School

Congratulations to John Skaggs!

March 5, 2012 By Chuck Emanuele Leave a Comment

John Skaggs recently obtained both his commercial truck driver license and passenger endorsement. “Marines [...] in my unit went through the course and both enjoyed the environment and curriculum,” said John. “The job placement option is a definite resource that attracted me to the program, whether I utilize it in the near future or later on.”

“The opportunity, with any vocational school, is the present state of the economy and the present labor needs for any skilled trade,” John shared about his decision to go to California Career School. At this time, over-the-road commercial truck driver positions are numerous with openings constant. Our placement department works with prospective students, current students, and graduates to assist them in their search for jobs across the US. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports, “The number of wage and salary jobs in the truck transportation and warehousing industry is expected to grow 11 percent from 2008 through 2018.”

“For me, there was no difficulty attending any portions of the course, but certainly the flexible hours is great [...] is very important to future students, especially active duty military,” John went on. Flexible training hours at our contract locations are set up for our active duty military students to help keep their military duties as the number one priority. “Drive lessons and tips according to the environment (rain, wind, traffic), a real-world driving area to develop safe skills. [...] There wasn’t a ‘classroom’ atmosphere. Every part of the training was a ‘hands-on’ approach.”

Prospective students are encouraged to visit and watch our training in action in order to help them in their decision about what school to go to. John wanted to share one last item to these students: “Really glad I took the course with CCS. [...] By seeing the instructors and students in action, a potential student may have a clearer picture of the school’s qualities.”

Again we would like to congratulate John for his successful completion of the course and we wish him luck in his future endeavors.

Filed Under: Bus Driver Career, California Career School, Career Programs, Military Branches, Student Testimonials, Truck Driving School, US Marines Tagged With: California Career School, ccs, john skaggs, military transition, truck driving school, trucking school

Graduate Benefits from Instructor’s Teaching Methods

March 2, 2012 By Chuck Emanuele Leave a Comment

Marine John Wise recently acquired his class A and passenger endorsement at our Oceanside training location just minutes outside of Camp Pendleton. He had a few things to share about his learning experiences with our instructors over the duration of his training. John graduated from class in just over a month!

John wanted to thank both of his instructors, Jose Ballesteros and Joseph Evins. “They’re all about the student learning.” He described Joseph as “smooth” and “breaks it down step by step.” Jose, on the other hand, is someone he felt was, “fact-based, fast-paced” and geared towards “fast learners.” To John, it was important to receive constructive criticism and this is something that Jose did not hesitate to provide. “Jose’s a trip,” he laughed. “They make a good team.”

“Right now,” he told us, “I’m still active duty. [...] I’m waiting for a transportation company in New York.” He had already sent in his resume and is hoping for the good news to come up soon.

“I would definitely recommend the school,” John said, citing our accreditation and flexibility with our Military students. “I enjoyed [the class]– it was fun to me. If I could do it all day, I would.”

Once again, congratulations to John for completing the course successfully and quickly. We wish him luck in his endeavors in New York!

Filed Under: Bus Driver Career, California Career School, Career Programs, Student Testimonials, Truck Driving School, US Marines Tagged With: bus driving school, California Career School, ccs, CDL, class a, class b, john wise, marine, truck driving school, USMC

Hugo Barron Builds His Career

February 27, 2012 By Chuck Emanuele 1 Comment

Our graduate Hugo Barron got his truck and bus driver licenses and began working in a matter of a few months!

Weeks ago, he told our placement coordinator Marcelle Gerard, “I’ve decided to take ***** up on his offer. Training starts Nov. 28th. I’d like to thank you guys for being the stepping stone between my military service and my next career move.”

For Hugo, Marcelle wanted to share, “It is not often that someone’s first interaction with a company is in person and not through an online application. Upon first being introduced to this hiring company, Hugo met the recruiting manager who would be one of the deciding factors affecting his offer of employment.” This was at a presentation made just for our students and graduates.

“It’s personal right from the beginning,” Marcelle continued. “This company gets the feel for you in person as opposed to just looking at a resume. We are appreciative of the visits that they make to provide presentations and chances for meeting our students. Without this opportunity, our students succeed with less limitations for their future. I am so happy that Hugo has found a home with this company and that we were able to support him along his own path to success!”

She touched base with him shortly after and Hugo replied, “Everything is going great! I’m in my 2nd week of training. It’s almost unreal how well they value their workers. Met the company president. [...] The compensation for our hard work is generous and benefits are excellent. It’s hard work but worth every bit of it. The promotions are there all it takes is time and hard work. I have full intentions on making this a career. “

Michael Davies: “Freedom to Be My Own Boss”

February 16, 2012 By Chuck Emanuele Leave a Comment

Update 02/17/12: Michael is going to begin working this Monday! Congratulations!
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He has obtained his commercial class A license and passenger endorsement out in our Oceanside contract training site.

For Michael, independence is very important. “I left the Navy in Sept. 2010. The economy is terrible. I tried conventional college and found that it was not for me. CCS offered me something that college would not: freedom to be my own boss.”

CCS placement coordinator Marcelle Gerard has been working with Michael to help him land a job. “He’s going over the road,” she talked about his plans. Marcelle describes Michael as “very energetic” and “passionate.” He is “very supportive of the other students” and is always exchanging pictures with those that are currently over the road. At the moment, Marcelle said, companies “***** and ***** are right on top of him. He definitely has prospects, they’re looking at him.”

Once again we congratulate Michael on his successful completion and we wish him luck in all of his endeavors!

Filed Under: Bus Driver Career, California Career School, Military Branches, Student Testimonials, Truck Driving School, US Navy Sailors Tagged With: bus driver, bus training, California Career School, ccs, CDL, class a, navy, transitioning military, truck driving, trucking jobs, trucking school

Dedicated Marine Graduates with Truck and Bus Licenses

February 10, 2012 By Chuck Emanuele Leave a Comment

Matthew Cooper from Twentynine Palms completed both his commercial truck and bus driver training very recently, graduating quickly due to his dedication and enthusiasm with learning.

“The moment that stands out the most is when I started driving a semi on the road and realized how big a job truck drivers really have. As a result of that I have a new respect for truck drivers, and will never cut them off or pull out in front of them again,” he explained.

“I’m going to be honest,” Matt told us, “Before taking classes to get out of the Marines, I had never heard of CCS. An instructor came to the [TAP] class and gave a presentation and I thought, ‘why not?’ I figured even if I didn’t want to be a truck driver it could always be my back up plan.”

He shared more thoughts regarding his training, “Couldn’t have asked for a more dedicated instructor [...] They will continue to train you until you are a competent driver.”

“Amazing student, he picked up very quickly,” said Ward Violanti, Twentynine Palms lead instructor. “You can tell him something once and he got it… and he did. I was a little tougher on him. I didn’t hold him back.”

Now that he has graduated, Matt has a job opportunity possibly set up but also has another plan to become state police back home. Once again, we congratulate Matt for his speedy and exceptional completion of our truck and bus course and we wish him luck in all of his future endeavors!

Filed Under: Bus Driver Career, California Career School, Career Programs, Military Branches, Truck Driving School, US Marines Tagged With: bus driver, bus training, California Career School, ccs, CDL, class a, marines, matthew cooper, transitioning military, truck driving, trucking jobs, trucking school, USMC

Garrette Guidry – Mechanic & Marine

February 2, 2012 By Chuck Emanuele Leave a Comment

“I chose CCS because one of my Marines attended this site and highly recommended CCS. In reading and talking with [instructor] Ward I found out that there were benefits from attending CCS such as job placement and assistance to their students. Making the transition from military to civilian life a little less stressful by offering some degree of ‘being part of a family,’ kind of like being in the military.”

Many of our students are in motor transport coming out of the Marines and are looking for a good way to transition into civilian life with the skills that they have learned.

“The challenge I faced on choosing a vocational school was that I am a mechanic and a lot of the jobs I was looking at to be a mechanic had a prerequisite of ‘have to have a class A CDL’ which eased by decision to be part of California Career School.”

“I feel the most valuable asset a school can have is a knowledgeable staff and instructors, which CCS definitely has.”

Garrette plans to move back to Louisiana after his separation from the military. “[W]ith the training I have received and the assistance in job placement, I will be successful.”

Congratulations to Garrette on successfully obtaining his commercial class A license! We wish you the best!

Filed Under: California Career School, Military Branches, Student Testimonials, Truck Driving School, US Marines Tagged With: California Career School, ccs, class a, commercial driver, garrette guidry, truck driver license, twentynine palms, USMC

Memorable Training Moments

January 26, 2012 By Chuck Emanuele Leave a Comment

Over the past few months, we talked to several of our military graduates and they have graciously shared their thoughts about key moments during their training with California Career School.

Was there anything during your experience with CCS that was surprising or unexpected?

“That I got through so fast.” – Travis Johnson

“The steering wheel was an eye opener. It takes more to keep the rig straight.” – Johnathon Allen

“I was able to go at my own pace, not everyone else’s.” – Matt Ockerman

Describe a moment that stands out about your training.

“The downshift moment, when I was finally able to shift down to 3rd gear. I felt totally ready to pass my drive test and I did.” – Michael Davies

“My light bulb moment was during backing the truck. Knowing where the trailer goes when you turn the wheel in either direction.” – Luis Quintero-Espinoza

“Driving, when I first drove. I felt I was doing the right thing, felt like something I wanted to make a career out of.” – Raul Gastelum

All of these graduates have commercial class A driver licenses after successfully completing their training at our Oceanside and Twentynine Palms contract training locations or at our Anaheim corporate office. Congratulations to you all once again and we wish you the best!

Filed Under: California Career School, Career Programs, Military Branches, Student Testimonials, Truck Driving School, US Army, US Marines

Returning After 7 Years

January 24, 2012 By Chuck Emanuele Leave a Comment

Having been deployed numerous times, Steve Kovacs endured several hurdles before finally being able to complete his CDL. On top of this, he told us, “I was 183 miles from the school and had to run another household.”

“I just wanted to get my CDL to have a backup when I was going to come off active duty,” said Steve.

After all this time, he finally passed his test for class A and the passenger endorsement, both back to back one day after the other. “Just listen to your instructor, they know what they are doing,” he shared. “[It's] a very good military school with flexible options… very satisfied, will definitely recommend [California Career School].”

Last time we spoke with him, he had obtained a pre-hire with a large carrier shortly after his graduation.

We want to congratulate Steve for enduring towards his goal and then very immediately finding a job afterwards!

Filed Under: Bus Driver Career, California Career School, Career Programs, Student Testimonials, Truck Driving School, US Army Tagged With: best truck driving training california, bus driving school, California Career School, california career school training, California career schools, California class a license, california driving schools, careers after leaving the military, ccs, CDL, class a, class A license, class a license California, class a training, commercial truck driver, Truck Driving Program, truck driving school, Truck driving team, trucking school

How We Help Our Military Students

January 12, 2012 By Chuck Emanuele Leave a Comment

We believe our training should respond to the needs of industry by preparing men and women alike with “hands on” training directed toward practical applications. Students are supervised by qualified, experienced instructors and will have the opportunity to train with modern equipment commonly used in the industry.

Filed Under: Bus Driver Career, California Career School, Military Branches, Military Tuition Assistance, Truck Driving School Tagged With: California Career School, ccs, class a, commercial driver, military transition, truck driver license

Jaime Flores Graduates in Time for the New Year

January 5, 2012 By Chuck Emanuele Leave a Comment

Congratulations to Jaime Flores, our graduate from the Twentynine Palms Marine Corps Base. Jaime obtained his commercial truck driver’s license just a few days before Christmas giving him time to spend with his wife and family.

“I had [a] friend,” he shared with us, “that had gone before me and said nothing but good things about CCS. [...] I wanted a ‘plan B’ for when I got out of the military, slowly my ‘plan B’ started becoming my ‘plan A.’ I went ahead with this vocational school.”

“[My] main obstacle was time. My EAS was rapidly approaching and I had a time crunch.” Our military students receive flexible training hours to ensure that their duties always come first. Jaime completed his truck driver training in less than the average time it takes for many other military students to finish.

“[It was a] very good experience,” said Jaime, “feel comfortable behind the wheel.” He also mentioned that, “everything was handled professionally.”

Once again, we want to congratulate Jaime for his achievement and we wish him good luck in his future endeavors!

Filed Under: California Career School, Career Programs, Military Branches, Truck Driving School, US Marines Tagged With: California Career School, ccs, class a, commercial driver, jaime flores, truck driver license, twentynine palms, USMC